Building
Control
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk
NR27 9EN
Building
Control
The Building Regulations 2010
Guidance Note
LABC
LABC
Tel: 01263 516345
email: building.control@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Building Control team
The Building Control Surveyors usually carry out site
inspections in the mornings and are available for
contact in the afternoons.
A Duty Officer is available from 2pm to 5pm,
Monday to Thursday, and 2pm to 4.30pm on a
Friday. Please call 01263 516345.
For queries concerning Building Regulation charges
contact Nichola Ransome on 01263 516023.
The Building Control team is committed to
maintaining standards in building based on a
professional and publicly accountable service.
We have a wealth of local knowledge,
experience and, can respond quickly to your
needs.
If you would like this information in large print,
audio, Braille, alternative format or in a different
language please contact Nichola Ransome.
Tel: 01263 516023
Fax: 01263 515042
Email: nicky.ransome@north-norfolk.gov.uk
LABC
© 2014 North Norfolk District Council. Not to be reproduced in any part.
Replacing windows
in domestic
properties
Replacement windows
Since 1 April 2002 all replacement windows have
been subject to Building Regulation control. Anyone
who installs replacement windows or doors must
comply with strict thermal performance standards.
The main reason for this change in legislation is the
need to reduce energy loss.
Owners of buildings which are listed, in
conservation areas or are of historical interest, may
not need to satisfy these requirements in all cases.
n Please remember that separate planning
permission may be required from the local
authority for these works.
n You are therefore strongly advised to contact us
to discuss the proposals BEFORE ordering your
replacement windows.
For further guidance on replacement windows with
regards to planning, please ask for the
Conservation, Design and Landscape,
‘Replacement Windows’ leaflet.
However, it is still necessary to apply for consent by
using one of the following two options:
There are two ways to achieve compliance
with the building regulations
Standard specifications for
replacement windows
OPTION 1
To employ an installer/manufacturer who is
registered under a Government approved
Competent Persons Scheme. Approved installers
will certify to the Local Authority that the work is in
compliance with the Building Regulations, removing
the need for formal Local Authority approval.
There are many ways of achieving the thermal
resistances required by the Regulations and a few
examples are given below. However, consideration
should also be given to the following:
For further information, check the following
websites:
www.certass.co.uk
www.fensa.co.uk
www.bmtrada.com
www.kitemark.com
www.networkveka.co.uk
OPTION 2
By applying to the Local Authority Building Control
Service in whose area the property is situated.
If you decide to use the Local Authority route we
suggest that you use the Building Notice
Procedure. The Notice is available from all local
authority offices and should be submitted together
with sketch plans of the existing and proposed
windows. A fee will also be payable.
Note: If any other work is involved, for example, the
widening of openings to allow larger windows to be
installed, then you must use OPTION 2 and make
your application to the Local Authority.
LABC
n The ventilation opening area of a window should
ideally be not less than 1/20th the floor area of
the room it serves.
n If trickle ventilation is provided in the existing
window, it should also be provided in the new
window.
n If the existing window serves an ‘inner room’* or
a first floor bedroom, the size of the openable
part of the new window must not be reduced
since these windows serve as an emergency
escape route.
To comply, all frames should incorporate glass units
which are double glazed, argon filled, with soft coat
low E glass and a 16mm gap between glass panes
as a minimum.
*A room from which escape is possible only by
passing through another room (access room). See
our ‘Means of Escape’ guidance note for further
details.